Prepare for the Hunt: Monster Hunter Wilds Unleashes Cross-Play Beta Test

Capcom's latest Monster Hunter Wilds trailer showcases exciting new environments, monsters, and details about the upcoming open beta. Learn more about the game's features and how to participate in the beta test.

Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta: A Sneak Peek at New Monsters and Locations

Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Begins October 28 (PS Plus Early Access), October 31 for All

Capcom's October 23 showcase revealed an open beta launching next week across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, featuring cross-play functionality. PlayStation Plus subscribers on PS5 enjoy a three-day head start, beginning October 28th, while general access opens October 31st and runs until November 3rd.

To participate, download the beta client from your platform's store. Pre-downloads start October 27th (PS Plus) and October 30th (others). Ensure you have at least 18GB of free space.

Below are the beta start and end times for various regions:

PlayStation Plus Members (PS5)

Region	Open Beta Start Time	Open Beta End Time
United States (EDT)	Oct 28, 11:00 p.m.	Oct 29, 10:59 p.m.
United States (PDT)	Oct 28, 8:00 p.m.	Oct 29, 7:59 p.m.
United Kingdom	Oct 29, 4:00 a.m.	Oct 30, 3:59 a.m.
New Zealand	Oct 29, 4:00 p.m.	Oct 30, 3:59 p.m.
Australian East Coast	Oct 29, 2:00 p.m.	Oct 30, 1:59 p.m.
Australian West Coast	Oct 29, 11:00 a.m.	Oct 30, 10:59 a.m.
Japan	Oct 29, 12:00 p.m.	Oct 30, 11:59 a.m.
Philippines	Oct 29, 11:00 a.m.	Oct 30, 10:59 a.m.
South Africa	Oct 29, 5:00 a.m.	Oct 30, 4:59 a.m.
Brazil	Oct 29, 12:00 a.m.	Oct 29, 11:59 p.m.

Non-PS Plus Members & Xbox Series X|S & Steam Players

Region	Open Beta Start Time	Open Beta End Time
United States (EDT)	Oct 31, 11:00 p.m.	Nov 3, 10:59 p.m.
United States (PDT)	Oct 31, 8:00 p.m.	Nov 3, 7:59 p.m.
United Kingdom	Nov 1, 4:00 a.m.	Nov 4, 3:59 a.m.
New Zealand	Nov 1, 4:00 p.m.	Nov 4, 3:59 p.m.
Australian East Coast	Nov 1, 2:00 p.m.	Nov 4, 1:59 p.m.
Australian West Coast	Nov 1, 11:00 a.m.	Nov 4, 10:59 a.m.
Japan	Nov 1, 12:00 p.m.	Nov 4, 11:59 a.m.
Philippines	Nov 1, 11:00 a.m.	Nov 4, 10:59 a.m.
South Africa	Nov 1, 5:00 a.m.	Nov 4, 4:59 a.m.
Brazil	Nov 1, 12:00 a.m.	Nov 3, 11:59 p.m.

A Closer Look at the Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta

The open beta features character creation (with progress carrying over to the full game), a story trial (tutorial and Chatacabra fight), and a challenging Doshaguma Hunt (supports multiplayer or NPC hunters). Beta participants receive exclusive in-game rewards (Palico pendant, Seikret, item pack) redeemable as DLC upon the full game's release on February 28, 2025.

The “Black Flame” and Oilwell Basin: Unveiled in a New Trailer

The "Black Flame" trailer introduces the Oilwell Basin, a dynamic fiery locale with erupting oil wells, home to new monsters like the Ajarakan and Rompopolo, and the ominous Black Flame, a giant squid-like apex predator. The trailer also hints at the connection between the people of Azuz, master forgers, and the mysteries of the Oilwell Basin.

For more in-depth information on Monster Hunter Wilds' gameplay and storyline, explore our related articles.